HAVANA - A jailed dissident has gone on a hunger strike, asserting he is
protesting his denial of needed medical assistance. Marcel Valenzuela, a
member of the pacifist organization Civic Brotherhood, has been detained
since Sept. 14 by the Technical Department of Investigations (DTI) at their
facility at the corner of 100 Street and Aldabó, in Havana.

Valenzuela suffers from ulcers, according to his wife and the authorities
will not allow him access to treatment until a physician from the Interior
Ministry
certifies his condition. Valenzuela was arrested with another Brotherhood
member, Marlon Cabrera. Both are accused of "disrespect and resistance."
According to the authorities they remain under investigation.